MEN’S BATHING SHEDS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XLV, Issue 4158, 8 February 1916, Page 3

MEN’S BATHING SHEDS.

HOPELESS INADEQUACY OF EXISTING ACCOMMODATION.

PLEA FOR IMMEDIATE -IMPROVEMENTS.

A “Times” representative on going to the Wailtanae beach on Sunday was surprised to observe two or three dozen men and boys undressing in the open paddock behind the men’s bathing-shed. On inquiring the cause he found that the inside jaf the shed was packed to its utmost with bathers, while the seats and walls were covered and hung with clothes. Numbers of people were seated on the sand, awaiting their turn to use the shed, and from about 9.30 to 12.30 P-m., there was hardly room to move. Many visitors remarked on the utter inadequacy of the sheds and there is no doubt that there was a good foundation for these complaints. The beach, which is one of the finest in the Dominion, is coming to be more and more appreciated by the people of Gisborne, and this year has been used more than ever. Sunday was not by any means the first day when the present, dressing accommodation has been found quite inadequate, and it is certain that one of our best public possessions will soon fall into disuse if some action is not taken shortly. It is impossible to conceive that the public would not- be willing to assist in obtaining better accommodation. Some funds for this purpose have been collected by the Men’s Bathing Shed Association but the movement has been suspended owing to the war. A now dressing shed should not cost a very great amount in view of the good which would result. Even should it be necessary to borrow the money for the sheds, by charging a small price for the use of the sbed, as in the case of the ladies’ shed, a sufficient amount ought to be raised to pay interest and provide a sinking fund. All that remains then, it would seem, is for the Beach Improvement Association to be resurrected and carry out a good programme, with the object in view of providing adequate dressing accommodation.